The nurse receives a client from the post-anesthesia unit with a new onset of sinus tachycardia and a heart rate of 118 beats per minute. To which reasons does the nurse relate the increased heart rate? (Select All that Apply.)
Anxiety
Sleep
Fever
Hyperglycemia
Blood loss
Correct Answer : A,C,E
A. Anxiety:
Anxiety can lead to an increased heart rate due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. When a person is anxious, their body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, which can stimulate the heart to beat faster. This increased sympathetic activity can cause sinus tachycardia, where the heart rate is faster than normal.
B. Sleep:
While sleep can affect heart rate variability, causing fluctuations in heart rate during different stages of sleep, it typically does not cause a significant and sustained increase in heart rate like sinus tachycardia. Sleep is more likely to influence heart rate patterns rather than directly cause sinus tachycardia.
C. Fever:
Fever, especially in response to infection or inflammation, can lead to an elevated heart rate. The body's response to fever includes increased metabolic activity, which can raise the heart rate as part of the physiological stress response. Fever-induced sinus tachycardia is a common finding in individuals with infections.
D. Hyperglycemia:
While hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) can have cardiovascular effects over time, such as contributing to atherosclerosis and heart disease, it is not typically a direct cause of sinus tachycardia. Sinus tachycardia is more commonly associated with acute stressors like anxiety, fever, or hypovolemia (such as from blood loss).
E. Blood loss:
Significant blood loss, such as during surgery or due to trauma, can result in hypovolemia, where there is a decrease in blood volume circulating in the body. In response to hypovolemia, compensatory mechanisms kick in, including an increase in heart rate (sinus tachycardia), to maintain blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I will not have to get an IV placed."An IV may be placed in some cases, especially if the stress test includes the use of a pharmacological agent (like adenosine or dobutamine) in place of exercise.
B. "I can eat my breakfast before the test."Clients are typically instructed to fast for at least 3 hours before the exercise stress test. Eating could interfere with accurate test results and the ability to safely exercise. The client should not eat right before the test.
C. "I must not drink my hot chocolate in the morning."Caffeine can interfere with the results of the exercise stress test by increasing heart rate and potentially masking abnormal responses to exercise. Therefore, the client should avoid caffeine (including hot chocolate) before the test.
D. "I can wear the clothes I would wear to the office."The client should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow for physical activity and movement, such as athletic wear. Office attire may not be suitable for the physical exertion required during the exercise stress test.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. 120/80 mm Hg or lower:
This blood pressure range is considered normal or optimal for most adults. However, for individuals diagnosed with hypertension, the goal is typically to reduce blood pressure to below 140/90 mm Hg, as maintaining normal blood pressure is not considered a goal for hypertension treatment unless specifically indicated based on individual circumstances.
B. Average of two BP readings of 150/80 mm Hg:
A blood pressure reading of 150/80 mm Hg is elevated and indicates hypertension, especially if consistently elevated across multiple readings. The goal of hypertension treatment is to lower blood pressure to below 140/90 mm Hg, so an average of 150/80 mm Hg would not be considered the goal of treatment.
C. 140/90 mm Hg or lower:
This blood pressure range is commonly recommended as the goal of treatment for individuals with hypertension who otherwise enjoy good health. It represents a balance between effective blood pressure control and minimizing the risk of side effects or complications associated with overly aggressive treatment.
D. 156/96 mm Hg or lower:
While a blood pressure reading of 156/96 mm Hg is elevated and indicates hypertension, the goal of treatment is typically to reduce blood pressure to below 140/90 mm Hg rather than targeting a specific numeric value below 156/96 mm Hg.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.